Disability at Work and the Performance Paradox

Abstract

Accommodation and performance of disabled employees is of increasing concern to employers. Most research suggests that performance ratings for disabled and non-disabled employees are similar, yet employers still cling to concerns about function. These employer beliefs are often attributed to stereotyping. While stereotyping explains some of the concern, it may be that difficult experiences or actual performance differences also play a role. This research looks specifically at difficult accommodation cases, asking: what performance problems arise in disability cases, and how do they affect accommodation and the treatment of disabled employees? Qualitative, field research, triangulating data from 72 arbitration cases, 23 interviews and other documentation reveals problems in four areas: absenteeism, disciplinary history, peer conflict and task function.